Mariska Hargitay, known for her iconic role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order SVU, recently reflected on a pivotal moment in her career when she nearly left the show after becoming a mother. The actress, who has been a cornerstone of the series since its debut, revealed how her pregnancy and the demands of motherhood influenced her career decisions.
Pregnancy Disrupts Perfect Attendance
Mariska Hargitay’s almost perfect attendance record on SVU was interrupted when she went on maternity leave. In 2006, Hargitay and her husband, Peter Hermann, welcomed their first child, August. To accommodate her pregnancy, the show’s writers temporarily wrote her out of several episodes. Despite her eagerness to continue working, Hargitay was initially faced with the prospect of leaving the show for good.
More Read
In a candid post shared online, Hargitay expressed her willingness to work through her pregnancy if the show’s producers had allowed it. “Not sure if you’ve heard, but the producers have decided not to make Olivia pregnant, so I won’t be in a few episodes. But don’t worry, the writers are working on some really great story lines, and there will be a special guest star filling in for me,” she noted at the time.
A Renewed Sense of Purpose
After giving birth, Hargitay experienced a profound shift in her priorities. “After having the baby I was off for six months, and in eight years I’ve never been off for so long,” she said in a 2007 interview with Herald Sun. “I thought, ‘I’ll never be able to leave his side again. I have to get off the show.’ But as soon as I went back to SVU, it was truly like—I never left.” This return was met with unexpected revitalization, sparking a new wave of enthusiasm and inspiration for her role.
Hargitay also cherished the opportunity to have August accompany her to work, which allowed her to balance her professional and personal life more seamlessly. “It was a gift to have my son able to come to work with me every day,” she said. “I don’t feel like I’m pulled…I feel like I’m so lucky because I’m living my dream. I didn’t have to choose.”
Challenges of Balancing Motherhood and Career
Despite the benefits of having August on set, Hargitay faced challenges in balancing her career with motherhood. As August grew older, Hargitay found it difficult to manage her time and often missed out on bonding experiences with other parents at her son’s school. “I get jealous that other people get to take August to school and pick him up,” she admitted. “It’s hard for me to go to his school and not know all the parents.”
Pregnancy also took a toll on Hargitay’s physical health, leading to weight gain and fatigue. She described her experience as overwhelming and challenging but ultimately rewarding. “After getting pregnant I felt so different about my body. I felt like it was a sanctuary,” she reflected. “It was like, somebody lives there now—I’ve got to keep it nice and strong and healthy for him.”
Mariska Hargitay’s journey through motherhood while maintaining her role on Law & Order SVU highlights the complexities faced by working parents in the entertainment industry. Her story is a testament to the balancing act of nurturing a family while pursuing a demanding career.
